We see the images of unprecedented numbers offering their prayerful respects to Pope John Paul the Second - Catholics and peoples of other religions as well. In a local and particular way, Cardinal George has invited Catholics of this Archdiocese and all people of good will – as is being done in dioceses around the world - to gather in spirit the day before the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated for the Pope at 3:00 AM Chicago time Friday, April 8 at the Vatican.

I invite you to join in one of two Memorial Masses, both of which will be celebrated in our Church on Thursday, April 7 and to hours when the church will be open for private prayer and visitation.

The first Memorial Mass will be at 9 AM Thursday. The students in our School will attend this Mass. The second Memorial Mass will be at 7 PM Thursday. At the end of both Masses, all will be invited to the front of the church to see our remembrance of the Pope: the Christmas Blessing he gave to our Parish in 1994. The church will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM both Thursday and Friday: the day before and day of the funeral. Stop in as you pass by.I hope you will attend one of these Masses. We gather to escort John Paul to peace, to entrust the future of our Church to the Holy Spirit and to express our unity in Faith. Above all, we celebrate the Easter Season resurrection of Christ and our belief in our own resurrection.

Please share this invitation with others whom you meet. An e-mail announcement is going to all parish organization leaders and information can be found on the Parish (www.parish.queenofangelschicago.org) and Archdiocesan (www.archchicago.org) websites.

If you are unable to join in these Masses please say the following prayer, presented to us by the Cardinal, until a new Pope is elected.Prayer for the Church at the Death of John Paul the SecondGod of mercy and kindness, your servant John Paul the Second echoed in your Church the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid…Put out in the deep.”May these words find a home in our hearts and encourage us as we move into the future. Direct your Church by the power of the Holy Spirit and raise up a supreme Pastor who will confirm his brothers and sisters, who will feed and strengthen them with word and sacrament, who will stand strong in witnessing the Gospel before the world, and who will be a sign and source of unity for your Church. Bless your people with grace and determination to continue the mission of your Son Jesus and to be a people brought together in unity from the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

As Francis Cardinal George requested, Queen of Angels will offer Memorial Masses for Pope John Paul II on Thursday, the day before his funeral. There will be Masses at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to remember His Holiness.

Also note there will be a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. on the evening preceding the start of the Conclave, when the election process begins for the selection of a new Pope. That date has yet to be determined.

Also, the Church will be open Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. We ask all who read this to pass information to any parishioners, friends, family and neighbors who might be interested.

The following prayer is offered by the Office of Divine Worship. Please pray this every day until a new Pope is elected.

Prayer for the Church at the Death of John Paul II

God of mercy and kindness,your servant John Paul the Secondechoed in your Church the words of Jesus“Do not be afraid” and“Put out into the deep.”May these words find a home in our heartsand encourage us as we move into the future.Direct your Church by the power of the Holy Spiritand raise up a supreme Pastorwho will confirm his brothers and sisters,who will feed and strengthen them with word and sacrament,who will stand strong in witnessing the Gospel before the world, andwho will be a sign and source of unity for your Church.Bless us your people with grace and determinationto continue the mission of your Son Jesus andto be “a people brought into unity from the unity ofthe Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Amen

Workers, both immigrant or native born, have rights under the law. Are you getting paid what you should by law? Is your employer protecting your safety? Is your employer providing the care required after an injury? Is someone being treated unfairly because of lack of documentation? Does your employer treat all workers equally on the basis of gender, age, race, religion or disability?

Discuss employment law with Jose Oliva of the Chicago Interfaith Workers Rights Center. He will lead the discussion beginning at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, April 17 in the church. Be informed about the rights that all workers have. Know where to go when help is needed. Protect yourself, your family and friends by being informed.

PREPARE TO DANCE THE “KNIGHT” AWAY II
Support the Queen of Angels Athletic Board and Dance the “Knight” Away
at the second annual get-together. All adults (over 21 years old) are
invited to the Guild Hall Gym from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 9
at 4416 N. Western Ave. Music will be provided by DJ Al. A cash bar
will be available. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Proceeds benefit Guild Hall improvements. Tickets available after
Masses this weekend.
MINISTRY OF CARE PROGRAM
Among the Church’s ministries, the care of the sick, the aging and the
frail has been essential. The Ministry of Care program is an outreach
to those unable to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist
because of illness and age. The ministry allows people to experience
the nearness of God through the presence of their faith community and
through the reception of the Eucharist.

Parishioners share in this ministry, bringing the Eucharist to our
homebound parishioners and to patients at Swedish Covenant Hospital.
The next Ministry of Care Training Program in our area will take place
at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish on three consecutive Saturday
mornings beginning April 9 from 8:45 a.m. to Noon.

JOIN THE BINGO FUN ON MONDAYS
$2,250 in Bingo Game Prizes guaranteed
Doors open at 5 p.m. —Early Bird at 6:45 p.m.; first game at 7 p.m.
Dabber Card Books are $10 for 12 cards
The entire facility is no-smoking, but two breaks are provided for smokers!